Stormers Prepare For An Emotional Tribute To ‘Chippie’ Solomon

As the Stormers prepare to host Connacht, they face the unenviable task of balancing their on-field focus with the deep emotional impact following the passing of long-standing team manager Christopher ‘Chippie’ Solomon.

In the wake of the weekend’s news, both director of rugby John Dobson and veteran Deon Fourie reflected on the indelible impact of a man whose presence will be deeply missed.

“You end up zombie-like and disbelieving. It’s terribly emotional, and that is how we feel,” said a teary-eyed Dobson.

“As I said to the team, it will never be the same again, and that is a massive credit to Chippie. He is irreplaceable for the Stormers.”

Chippie took immense pride in representing the Stormers and his community. He viewed his role as team manager as both a privilege and a responsibility to the supporters. A consummate professional at all times, he was someone with whom everyone could connect.

Though weighed down by grief, the team is clearly determined to channel their emotions into a performance worthy of his memory.

“The players had a chat this morning saying ‘what would Chippie want’ or ‘what would Chippie do’ – it’s our emotion for the game,” added Dobson. 

“It’s how we want to be every day and how we want to prepare.”

There is no doubt that Chippie leaves behind a wealth of knowledge, having overseen the team’s logistical operations and more for over two decades. The challenge now will be to ensure a seamless transition to those who worked most closely with him.

“Chippie worked very closely with Leonora (from the High Performance Centre). She has a lot of his knowledge. He, Leonora, and Riefaat Jappie (strength and conditioning coach) worked very closely together, and those two will pick it up,” noted Dobson. 

“Duncan Cruikshank, who does player welfare, will stand in as manager this week. We’ll be okay in the long term.”

Similarly, the emotion was etched on the face of Deon Fourie as he reflected on his relationship with Chippie.

“He probably loved my kids more than I did,” said a crestfallen Fourie.

“On my first Super Rugby tour, I shared a double bed with Chippie, and that was twenty years ago. He meant a lot to me as a friend,” reflected Fourie. 

Born in Newlands and raised in Bontheuwel, Solomon was a teacher, coach, and headmaster at Westridge High School in Mitchell’s Plain before moving into rugby administration.

Fourie also highlighted that his journey was hard-earned, shaped by an upbringing that was far from easy.

“He didn’t come from a luscious background. He fought his way up and was the manager of this prestigious club for 22 years. We can all strive to be just a little bit like him.”

“We had a good, long one-hour meeting this morning where we paid our respects and a few guys told some stories about Chippie, and everyone had a laugh. Most of the guys were crying as well because it was emotional,” Fourie continued.

Fourie described Solomon as the embodiment of the club’s ethos, a constant presence at the High Performance Centre from the day it first opened.

Fourie preached caution on whether the passing of Solomon can be used as a motivation while emotions are running high.

“I think we can use it as motivation, but there is a fine line as well where it can be either positive or our Achilles ‘ heel in the lead up to a game,” said Fourie. 

Dobson urged the Cape Town faithful to stand by the team in this difficult period and to provide the extra support needed to secure a home play-off. 

“I just want to appeal to the people to help us pay respects to Chippie and enjoy a Stormers performance. It’s a massive opportunity we’ve got in very difficult circumstances. We want to take both the opportunity and do justice to Chippie,” he said. 

“We’ve got to get these two home games, get behind us, and we will pay you back by hosting a few play-off games.”